Thomas Frank was reluctant to discuss the issue of his star players’ futures after Brentford’s play-off final defeat against Fulham.
Joe Bryan’s double took the Whites up at the expense of their west London rivals, who came so close to promotion.
The Bees missing out is bound to increase speculation that the likes of Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins could be snapped up by Premier League clubs.
Chelsea and West Ham are among the clubs linked with Benrahma, while Watkins’ goalscoring exploits in the Championship mean there is sure to be interested in him too.
But boss Frank said: “I must say it’s not my biggest concern right now.
“The reason I’m down at this moment in time is mainly for the fans, (owner) Matthew Benham and people who have been at the club for many years. They deserved so much to be in the Prem.
“I also care and believe so much in this group of players and I’m just disappointed that we’re not going to have the opportunity to attack the Premier League.
“Nobody knows what’s going to happen tomorrow. I just know one thing: we will have a very, very strong side going into the Championship next season.”
Bryan’s brace in extra time settled the match in dramatic fashion.
It shattered Brentford’s dreams of promotion and they must now pick themselves up for next season,
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Frank made it clear he expects them to be contenders again.
“Of course it’s tough when you lose a final like this in a very, very tight game,” Frank said.
“But I’m extremely proud of my players and extremely proud of this club and what we have achieved this season.
“We were very fine margins away from the Premier League, which is an incredible achievement from us.
“This is football and you don’t always get what you deserve. There needed to be a loser tonight and unfortunately it was us.
“I know we’re coming back stronger next season. I’m 100% sure of that.”